If I had a nickel for every book I've read about finding connection with rather clever octopi, I'd have 3 nickels and still want more.

First the negative, the plot here is mainly an excuse to present musings on consciousness and how qualia shapes how we communicate. To me, the resolution of some narratives was lacking. The Rustem and Sea Wolf B-plot especially feels out of place by the end.

I'm a sucker for epigraphs and this was no disappointment. The quotes from both Ha's and Arnkatla novels are fun and reflect their personalities. Loved the world building itself, gotta love a cyberpunk megacorp.

This was one of the only science fiction novels at the Texas Book Festival last year which is when I picked it up. Overall well written and feels important with the popularization of tools that can pass the Turing test. I don't think it's quite Nebula nomination material but I'm glad I read it!